Women S Reproductive Rights In Developing Countries

First published in 1999, this volume represents an empirical model of reproductive rights in developing countries. The model encompasses three explanations of reproductive rights. The first proposes that reproductive rights levels are negatively related to population growth. The second explanation argues that gender equality has a positive effect on reproductive rights. Finally, the authors propose that women’s education has a positive effect on reproductive rights. The empirical model takes into account the effects of modernization, secularization, and family planning program effort on population growth, women’s education, and gender equality.

Sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancies, infertility, and other reproductive problems are a growing concern around the world, especially in developing countries. Reproductive Health in Developing Countries describes the magnitude of these problems and what is known about the effectiveness of interventions in the following areas: Infection-free sex. Immediate priorities for combating sexually transmitted and reproductive tract diseases are identified. Intended pregnancies and births. The panel reports on the state of family planning and ways to provide services. Healthy pregnancy and delivery. The book explores the myths and substantive socio-economic problems that underlie maternal deaths. Healthy sexuality. Such issues as sexual violence and the practice of female genital mutilation are discussed in terms of the cultural contexts in which they occur. Addressing the design and delivery of reproductive health services, this volume presents lessons learned from past programs and offers principles for deciding how to spend limited available funds. Reproductive Health in Developing Countries will be of special interest to policymakers, health care professionals, and researchers working on reproductive issues in the developing world.

Since the late 1990s approaches to women's reproductive health has shifted from a service-based model to a human rights approach. This approach associates reproductive health with freedom from discrimination and enjoyment of a satisfying and safe sex life, and full access to information and services related to reproduction. In spite of this shift, and the global effort to promote women's reproductive health through the enhancement of human rights and gender equality, progress has been very slow. In this book the author fills a much-needed empirical study of women's reproductive health. The author assesses data from 137 developing countries (or areas) and challenges the prevailing bioscience and public health models by linking women's reproductive health to gender equality measures and development policies. Discussion on abortion rights, regional variations and reproductive health needs among refugees and internally displaced persons are also discussed. This is a timely study which provides a theoretical and social policy basis for monitoring and improving women's reproductive health in developing countries. This is particularly important in the light of insufficient research in the field and a lack of analysis on the empirical and theoretical linkages between reproductive health and gender equality. The book will be of interest to researchers, professionals and students interested in women's health issues, gender/women's studies and human rights.

Evolution of the framework.

Advances in the biomedical sciences have raised pertinent, and often paradoxical, questions concerning the relationship between women's health and their rights. This book, based on the Round Table on Bioethics and Women held at UNESCO during the Fourth Session of the International Bioethics Committee (IBC), presents the experience of field workers and actors in areas as diverse as health, legal affairs, governance, education and psychology. It takes into account both the various stages of the biological life span and the insertion of women in a particular socio-economic and cultural context. Although the book does not claim to be exhaustive, it shows to what extent the specificity of issues related to women in relation to bioethical issues has sometimes been underestimated. Based on numerous socio-cultural experiences throughout the world, it also provides a useful general view for readers who wish to pursue research or studies in this field. [UNESCO website]

With a new introduction, this fully revised edition of a feminist classic reveals the dangers of contemporary population control tactivs, especially as they affect women in developing countries.

The general assumption throughout history has been that a growing population is beneficial for societies. By the mid-1960s, however, the United States and other developed countries became convinced that population control was an absolute necessity, especially in the developing world. This absorbing study explains why population control is no longer the focus of global population policy and why reproductive rights and health have become the major focus. The book highlights the role that the US and other developed countries play in affecting global population policy, looking in particular at the stance of the George W. Bush administration since taking office. It also studies the influence of the UN as an international forum and explores how civil society questioned the ethics of population control. Global Population Policy will appeal to a wide audience, including readers in the fields of women's studies, development politics and international relations.